Library/Shibboleth meeting 10th March minutes

Lee reported on progress of Shibboleth 2.0 IDP integration and testing
noting the whole team now have a high degree of competence and confidence
in configuration and deployment of the product. The next step is to move
to
a production footing with the final release of 2.0 IDP by the end of March,
purchase
of a server and formal registration with UKAMF for limited use with existing
service providers.
This will use existing LDAP authentication mechanism prior to availability
of the new Identity
Management System.

Martin stated that the Electronic Library continues to experience rapid
growth
and is a critically important service which must be well positioned for the
changes
due to take place on 31st July. There should be minimal impact
to user service and
changes should be transparent where possible or at least well supported with
information and training.

Kate/Martin confirmed that all of the significant service providers used
by UoE which
have not yet committed to supporting Shibboleth can or already use IP authentication.
However the key groups of Lawyers and Scientists who use JUSTIS, Nature and
Wiley (?)
must have their continuity of service guaranteed.
Kate will contact all of our service providers individually and confirm their
position in detailed terms.
Nick suggested it was important to understand exactly who in the organization
was technically responsible.

Nick raised the issue of the loss of personalization (effectively bookmarked
resources) when
users move from Athens to Shibboleth
and that this could be a major issue for some individuals.
Ian suggested this was unlikely to be a problem for most of the user groups
he is aware of.

Much discussion took place around the JISC/Eduserv fall out and proposed
technical solutions for use of
EZProxy as an alternative to an OpenAthens subscription. Lee stated that
although no decision needed
to be made immediately we should be prepared to at least budget for OpenAthens
and follow the line other
institutions are taking rather than doing our own thing. Ian confirmed that
current subscriptions to OpenAthens
were 51/200 with some significant Universities among that number.

Nick highlighted that some additional technical aspects of Shibboleth were
still sadly lacking – notably development
of a comprehensive user friendly Attribute Release Policy editor and resilience
offering (HA-SHIB) and presented a
compelling case for OpenAthens being the least risk option for the
coming 12 months given the amount of unknowns
we are currently facing both at a technical and political level.
Martin and Ian to take this away to ensure Michelle is aware and to discuss
budget with Mike Trussel.

Bill proposed the team should contact the Data Protection Officer with
regards to any Attribute Release Policy which
may be put in place initially for Shibboleth.

It was agreed that current Electronic Library web pages be updated to include
some FAQ information regarding up
and coming changes including some technology references to differences between
Athens, Shibboleth and OpenAthens.
At the same time it was felt that existing
Athens ‘branding’ should be removed.